In
wake of Pfizer pullout, Eastern Michigan University
leaders and community groups seek information
about local talent

YPSILANTI — Pfizer’s
announcement last month that it would close down
its Michigan operations came as a blow to the
state and the region. At the same time, the move
generated significant dialog about opportunities
and changes that could advance the state and keep
talent in Michigan.

Several teams have been formed to address these
questions, and EMU staff including President John
Fallon, Chief Governmental Relations Officer Freman
Hendrix, College of Business Dean David Mielke,
and Executive Assistant to the President Steve
Holda have joined these groups. One team is a
SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and
threats) task force whose charge is to address
matters of economic impact to the state and the
region. This group, in association with others,
has developed a web-based survey to assess talent
in the region.

The group’s goal is to encourage wide distribution
and broad participation in the survey. EMU employees
and community members are encouraged to take the
survey and spread the word among their associates. “This
is one of many ways for EMU to stay connected,
and to participate in efforts that support our
community and the growth of our state,” said
Freman Hendrix.

Other survey partners include Ann Arbor Area
Chamber of Commerce, Ann Arbor SPARK, MichBio,
University of Michigan, Washtenaw Community College,
Washtenaw County Michigan Works, and the Ypsilanti
Area Chamber of Commerce.

Eastern Michigan University is a public, comprehensive
university that offers programs in the arts, sciences and professions.
EMU prepares students with the intellectual skills and practical experiences
to succeed in their career and lives, and to be better citizens.